Nobody is accepting Pandian factor despite Naveen’s clean chit, says BJD’s Prafulla Mallik

In a significant development that hints at internal unease within the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), senior party leader Prafulla Mallik on Friday made a series of pointed remarks regarding the role and positioning of VK Pandian in the party. 

This comes shortly after BJD supremo Naveen Patnaik appeared to extend a clean chit to Pandian in the wake of the controversy surrounding the party’s stand on the Waqf Bill in the Rajya Sabha.

Addressing the media, Mallik stated, “Naveen Babu is coming forward in support of Pandian, but it is Pandian himself who must step ahead and give a clear explanation. He must clarify his position before the people and the party.”

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Mallik further said, “Despite the clean chit, there remains confusion within the party ranks. Many are not ready to accept the ‘Pandian factor’. Questions persist — if Pandian is not a member of the party, why does Naveen Babu continue to rely so heavily on him?”

In what can be seen as a veiled criticism, Mallik questioned the silence from Pandian himself: “He should come forward and state whether or not he has interfered in party matters. The current situation calls for openness, not ambiguity.”

The controversy stems from the Rajya Sabha proceedings on the Waqf Bill voting, where BJD MP Sasmit Patra’s actions triggered political backlash and accusations of weakening the party’s stance. Mallik termed the episode as an “act of sabotage”, expressing concern over the potential damage to the party’s image and unity.

While Mallik’s remarks have stirred political discourse, neither does the BJD high command nor does the BJD president Naveen Patnaik has issued an official response regarding his statements.

This is not the first time that questions have been raised about VK Pandian’s role, who, despite not being a formal member of the BJD, has been perceived as wielding significant influence over administrative and political decisions.

As internal rumblings grow louder, the focus now turns to whether Pandian himself will break his silence and whether the party will address the concerns brewing within its own ranks.